Biocatalysis Near and Above 100 degrees Celsius: Physiological, Enzymological and Engineering Studies

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9632657 Kelly This proposal is on research to examine both basic and applied issues of enzymes from two model hyperthermophiles, the archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (Tmax 105 C) and the bacterium Thermotoga maritima (Tmax 90 C). This will be done using sequence information on the entire genomes of both organisms which will be available during the course of the project. Also, the diversity of hyperthermophiles in both deep sea and continental geothermal sites will be examined, and the types of enzymes they contain will be studied for their physiological significance, thermmostability/thermoactivity and/or biotechnological potential. Emphasis will be placed on hydrolytic and redox enzymes involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and peptides. Characterization of the diversity and biochemical features of this enzyme group will be investigated by both recombinant and biochemical techniques to change patterns of substrate specificity. Mechanisms of thermostabilization and chemical stabilization of hyperthermophilic enzymes will also be addressed. Also, the use of both existing and new enzymes will be evaluated in a variety of biotechnological applications in conjunction with an industrial collaboration. ***